Tulips ..

..at Iford Manor cafe.
The girls were great last night. Both Grace and John arrived home in the early hours so nothing had been discussed but everne seemed to have something in.  Eda had her Curtain Up drama class and Grace her Bar class. Chris wanted to sort out an issue with English Heritage so had suggested taking Jude to Fairleigh Hungerford Castle which is under their care. 
John was taking Eda to her class and planned to take Jude cycling which she loves as she gets daddy to herself so we went off on our own.
Chris has been trying to contact EH about a payment issue  online and by phone all to no avail so we felt we needed to speak to someone. We have new membership cards and it was confirmed we were valid members so we will wait till next year and perhaps join Historic Scotland instead as it’s cheaper and we use our membership most on our visits to Scotland where the two are associated (also with Wales and the IOM)

We had a look around, not a lot of the castle left but in a beautiful location just outside Bradford on Avon on the Frome road. 
As we left Grace’s neighbour had given us a tip to visit Iford Manor which is nearby with a great cafe. So in search of a coffee we headed down some narrow lanes to find this private garden.
The first thing we saw as we crossed the little hump back bridge was a magnificent Wisteria on the Manor building - extra

But first the cafe, which was quite busy but we managed a table in the sun. There was a splendid display of deep red and almost black tulips. Couldn't resist them for my blip.
We read up on the gardens and they are not too expensive to visit. It was recommended that you book online, which is also cheaper, as you are then guaranteed entry. Something to do when we come on our visit in August. They also have a restaurant and you can book dinner and garden tours though I believe it’s a bit pricey.

There are so many beautiful landscapes and buildings in this area all part of the Area if Outstanding Natural Beauty which us the Cotswolds covering Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire..   
Back in time for everyone’s return and a very nice ‘pick and mix’ lunch sat outside.

After a misty start it’s a glorious warm and sunny day, a foretaste of next week?

Eda has just come running out to tell us one of her teeth, which has been wobbly all week, had come out. Jubilation.